Yenpak is a traditional umbrella used by the people belonging to the rural areas of
Manipur. This umbrella, woven from bamboo strips, is used for protection against heat and rain. It is worn on the head.
Yenpak has 3 different varieties of varying sizes called Yenkhrung, Salaitep and Yengoi. The fishing community wears the Yengoi, which is smaller in size. The farming community uses the Yenkhrung. The Salaitep is a general purpose umbrella.
The umbrella is woven in an open-hexagonal fashion. It is made up of two layers of woven material filled with light dry leaves for its waterproofing. The two layers of the umbrella are bound together using cane strips. In some cases culm sheaths, locally called ‘waarukak,’ are used instead of the leaves. An umbrella filled with waarukak is used during death ceremonies.
